The US is one of the world's most open residential markets for foreign buyers. There is no federal restriction on non-resident non-citizen purchases of US real estate. States like Florida have enacted foreign-ownership rules targeting specific countries (SB 264 in FL restricts mainland Chinese nationals from buying near military bases); Texas has similar legislation. The practical process: obtain an ITIN from the IRS, open a US bank account, wire funds, sign with a closing agent. Financing is available through a small set of specialty lenders (HSBC, Chase International, portfolio lenders) — expect 30-40% down, rates 0.5-1% over domestic pricing, and full income documentation.
Regulations
Foreign Buyer's Guide to US Residential Real Estate in 2026
No federal restrictions on foreign purchases. ITIN is usually enough. Cash closes in two weeks, financed deals run 45-60 days. The step-by-step, the FIRPTA exit tax, state-level quirks in Florida and Texas, and the mistakes that cost non-US buyers six figures.
RegulationsMarch 22, 202613 min